[www.keralites.net] Warning signs of a stroke

Warning signs of a stroke

© James Steidl - Fotolia.com

A mini-stroke is a medical emergency and needs to be dealt with immediately, yet many of us have never heard of them.

Mini-strokes, or transient ischaemic attacks (TIA), are caused by a temporary interruption of the blood flow to the brain, depriving it of oxygen. Most TIAs are usually caused by a blood clot in one of the arteries supplying blood to the brain.

Symptoms of a TIA are the same as a full blown stroke, but the big difference is that they are temporary and only last for a short time, anything from a few minutes to a day.

A TIA is the major warning sign that a full blown stroke may be on the way. Around one in five people who have a TIA go on to have a major stroke within four weeks.

Yet, too many people carry on as usual without getting the treatment urgently needed to prevent a future stroke. One study by Oxford University found that TIA patients were less likely to visit a doctor if their symptoms didn't last for long or if they occurred on a Friday, during the weekend or on holiday.

Each year around 65,000 people will have a TIA, according to a recent UK stroke audit. Stroke is the third biggest cause of death in the UK, after heart disease and cancer, and the leading cause of disability. A TIA should never be ignored, no matter how quickly you may recover from one.

If you had problems breathing and/or chest pain, you wouldn't think twice about dialling 999; you should react in the same way if you experience any of the symptoms of a TIA.

Stroke and mini-stroke warning signs (FAST signs)

• Face: facial weakness - can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
• Arm: does it show weakness? - can the person raise both arms?
• Speech: problems - can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
• Time: time to call 999

Other symptoms of a TIA or stroke include:

• Weakness, numbness, pins and needles on one side of the body - an arm, leg or face
• Blurred or disturbed vision in one or both eyes
• Sudden memory loss or confusion
• Slurred speech, or difficulty finding words

Source: Yahoo

KARUNAKARAN

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